Pat Ogden, Ph.D ~ Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

Pat Ogden, Ph.D and developed an innovative approach to psychotherapy called Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.This approach focuses on the connection between the mind and body and aims to help individuals heal from trauma by accessing the body’s wisdom and innate ability to heal.

Pat Ogden, Ph.D is a pioneer in the field of somatic psychology and has over 45 years of experience working with trauma survivors. She developed Sensorimotor Psychotherapy as a way to integrate traditional talk therapy with body-based interventions that address the underlying physical and emotional sensations associated with trauma.

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is based on the premise that trauma is not just a psychological experience, but also a physiological one. Traumatic experiences can become “stuck” in the body, leading to symptoms such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and other physical and emotional issues. By accessing and releasing these physical sensations, individuals can begin to process and heal from trauma.

One of the unique aspects of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is its focus on the present moment. Instead of dwelling on past traumatic experiences, therapy sessions focus on what is happening in the present moment, including physical sensations, emotions, and thoughts. By paying attention to these sensations and learning to regulate them, individuals can develop a greater sense of self-awareness and control.

Another key component of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is the use of mindfulness-based practices. Mindfulness helps individuals cultivate a non-judgmental awareness of their physical and emotional experiences, allowing them to approach these experiences with greater curiosity and openness.

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is a highly individualized approach to healing from trauma that takes into account each person’s unique experiences and needs. By combining talk therapy with body-based interventions and mindfulness practices, individuals can develop a greater sense of self-awareness, regulate their emotions and physical sensations, and ultimately heal from trauma.

In conclusion, Pat Ogden, Ph.D’s Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is an innovative approach to healing from trauma that integrates traditional talk therapy with body-based interventions and mindfulness practices. By focusing on the present moment and accessing the body’s innate ability to heal, individuals can develop greater self-awareness and control, leading to lasting healing and growth.

Home page

  1. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy for Children with Trauma and Attachment Disruptions: Theory and Treatment (2016) – This book offers a comprehensive overview of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy as it applies to children who have experienced trauma and attachment disruptions. It includes case examples and practical tools for working with children and their caregivers.
  2. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Interventions for Trauma and Attachment (2015) – This book provides an overview of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, a body-oriented approach to treating trauma and attachment disruptions. It offers practical interventions and tools for clinicians working with trauma survivors.
  3. The Pocket Guide to Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: A Quick Reference to Body-Oriented Interventions for Trauma Survivors (2015) – This pocket guide offers a concise overview of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and its practical applications. It includes tools and interventions for working with trauma survivors and is a useful resource for clinicians and clients alike.
  4. The Handbook of Body Psychotherapy and Somatic Psychology (2015) – This comprehensive handbook covers the theory and practice of body-oriented psychotherapy. It includes contributions from leading experts in the field and offers a wide range of perspectives on the mind-body connection and the treatment of trauma.
  5. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: One Method for Processing Trauma and Chronic Pain (2015) – This book explores the connection between trauma and chronic pain and offers practical interventions for working with individuals who experience both. It introduces Sensorimotor Psychotherapy as a viable treatment option and includes case examples and exercises.
  6. Trauma and the Body: A Sensorimotor Approach to Psychotherapy (2006) – This groundbreaking book introduces Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and its innovative approach to treating trauma. It explores the connection between the body and the mind and offers practical interventions for working with trauma survivors.